In the sequence 24, 21, ___, 15, 12, what is the missing number?

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Multiple Choice

In the sequence 24, 21, ___, 15, 12, what is the missing number?

Explanation:
This sequence uses a constant decrease from one term to the next, so it’s an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of -3. From 24 to 21 is -3, so the next term must be 21 minus 3, which is 18. Continuing, 18 minus 3 equals 15, and 15 minus 3 equals 12, matching the rest of the sequence. Therefore the missing number is 18. The other options would break the steady -3 pattern (for example, 20 would be a -1 jump, 17 would be -4, and 21 would not change).

This sequence uses a constant decrease from one term to the next, so it’s an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of -3. From 24 to 21 is -3, so the next term must be 21 minus 3, which is 18. Continuing, 18 minus 3 equals 15, and 15 minus 3 equals 12, matching the rest of the sequence. Therefore the missing number is 18. The other options would break the steady -3 pattern (for example, 20 would be a -1 jump, 17 would be -4, and 21 would not change).

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